Doherty out of UK Championship but Kilkenny man Morris progresses

Kilkenny’s David Morris won his opening match at the UK Championship in York yesterday but Dubliner Ken Doherty is out.

Former world champion Doherty was beaten 6-5 by Englishman John Astley, ranked world number 99.

Morris progressed to the second round after a 6-4 win over Stoke’s Jamie Cope.

Astley said his thrilling final-frame victory over Doherty was the highlight of his short career.

Astley led 4-2 before the 1997 world champion battled back to lead 5-4. But Astley, a first-year professional, stayed calm to win two scrappy frames and progress.

“It’s a huge win and the biggest of my career so far,” said 24-year-old Gateshead man Astley